One of the annoying facts of political life in Pierre is that many of the good ideas come from the Democratic Party, are defeated, and then are reborn as Republican ideas. That was certainly true of our open government initiative in the 2007 session, which was spearheaded by Senator Nancy Turbak Berry, and was killed by the GOP that year. The next year it returned, as a Republican idea, and it passed. It is important to good legislation that you shed any pride of authorship.

This year Senator Ryan Maher of Isabel led the way with a fee of 2 cents per barrel for any crude oil pipeline so that we can protect ourselves in the event of a spill. Ryan’s proposal capped the fund at $30 million. This time, Republicans supported it, and it very nearly passed! The proposal required 2/3rds support, and failed by only one vote. All 11 votes against it were cast by Republicans, but we were happy to see that 9 of their members joined us in trying to protect our land and water.

Progress comes, often times, in small steps. Reform is possible! We have to remain optimistic!

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Tags: Scott Heidepriem, Scott's Blog

Posted on Mon., Mar. 01st at 5:43 pm. In category: Blog.
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